Chambers UK 2018 announces new band one rankings for B P Collins

Today, Chambers UK, a guide which ranks solicitors and barristers over a range of specialist areas of law and is recognised as the most widely-used directory within the legal sector, has announced its results for its latest edition.

B P Collins’ family team is now ranked in band one – the top ranking awarded by Chambers – with its practice group leader Sue Andrews maintaining the highest ranking as a leading individual. Referring to the team, one client said they are:

“Empathetic…but have a strong approach to dealing with the opposition. They don't do so in a forceful way but in a well thought-through and intelligent way to ensure we don't miss any angles and we give ourselves the best chances in negotiations."

Real estate practice’s group leader, Alison Taylor, has also been singled out as a ‘recognised practitioner’ with her team renowned for having a:

“Strength of knowledge and experience…and have no hesitation in recommending them to others."

B P Collins’ dispute resolution team also received a huge boost as Craig Williams, who in the past year has simultaneously created brand new law whilst defending his client in a high profile dispute resolution case, has risen to band one. Chambers UK regards him as “well versed in contentious cases relating to environmental, pharma and waste management matters,” with a client adding that he is:

“…a thorough, trusted and astute negotiator, who knows how to identify strengths and weaknesses of a case, as well as an excellent, thoroughly commercial tactician."

The corporate and commercial team has retained its top tier status for another year. The team is led by Alex Zachary, who has been elevated to a higher ranking after Chambers UK recognises his expertise and experience in handling large-scale corporate transactions. Meanwhile, David Smellie, is once again ranked as a leading individual.

B P Collins’ environment practice has also been awarded Chamber UK’s band one ranking for a second year, after the team contributed to the Environment Industries Commissions’ report on the outlook for the UK waste management sector post Brexit, whilst continuing to advise clients in the environment sector.

B P Collins’ employment team continues to be boosted this year with Chris Brazier – B P Collins’ business immigration specialist being regarded as an ‘associate to watch’ alongside fellow senior associate in employment, Kathryn Fielder. Jo Davis, partner and practice group leader maintains her number one ranking as an individual with one client saying that she is:

"Legally very astute and a real fighter for her clients."

Senior partner, Simon Deans, added:

“Fantastic results for B P Collins. With accolades such as these, businesses and people in the local area and beyond, should have the confidence to know that they are dealing with hugely knowledgeable and experienced lawyers who will help them to achieve the best possible outcome.”

Chamber UK 2018 results in more detail:

Corporate and MA

Strong reputation in acting for companies of all sizes on a range of domestic and international transactions. Offers significant sector expertise in the healthcare and technology sectors, among others. Recent activity has involved significant matters relating to the waste management and recycling space.

Alex Zachary is known for his expertise and experience handling large-scale corporate transactions. His practice spans a number of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, waste management, recycling and technology.

The "professional and proficient" David Smellie represents clients across a wide range of industries from waste management to entertainment.

Environment

Highly capable practice with the ability to handle contentious and non-contentious issues. Regularly advises on waste and recycling matters, with particular expertise in the transfer and disposal of waste. Also continues to advise on the environmental aspects of renewable energy transactions.

Family

Handles complex financial remedy work in the context of divorce and relationship breakdown. Also advises on children-related matters, including Schedule 1 proceedings, residence and relocation.

Department head Sue Andrews has built an excellent reputation for her handling of high-profile divorce settlements and financial advice. "She is incredibly smart and empathetic. She has very extensive experience of dealing with difficult cases and this shone through in the advice she gave," says a client.

Employment

Well regarded team providing a full service to large corporates on a wide spectrum of employment matters across a range of sectors, including aviation, pharmaceuticals and construction. Areas of expertise include whistle-blowing, discrimination, corporate support and business immigration. Also advises senior executives.

Clients say: "They're not just cautious or driven by rulebooks, we get very rounded, commercial advice."

Sources note that "nothing's a problem - they're so knowledgeable, readily available and very focused on the businesses' needs and how it operates. They're very perceptive of the real world."

Jo Davis advises employers and senior employees on a wide range of employment matters, with recent work including advice on redundancy processes and litigation defence.

Sources say Chris Brazier "is very knowledgeable in all areas of employment law." He assists clients with both day-to-day employment issues as well as in relation to litigation. He also assists clients with business immigration matters.

Kathryn Fielder is "extremely knowledgeable," especially on maternity and parental rights, employee exits and discrimination. She is recognised for taking "very good care of her clients."

Litigation

Solid regional firm which continues to impress with broad litigation and mediation capabilities, regularly handling high-value contract disputes and corporate litigation as well as regulatory matters. Also advises on defamation, professional negligence and IP-related disputes. Solid expertise in environmental and waste management, pharmaceutical and technology sectors attracts a prominent client base, including large corporates, SMEs and private individuals.

One source praises the team for its "ability to provide a summary of the situation in lay terms," adding: "They work with us as a team, rather than just as an adviser, making the client feel comfortable and looked after."

Matthew Brandis is experienced in different areas of litigation, including commercial contracts, contentious probate and professional negligence. "He is alert to the wider commercial picture, getting the best deal for his clients," a source reports.

Real Estate

Offers property services to clients from a vast array of sectors, including residential development, retail and leisure. Also well versed in complex corporate transactions and landlord and tenant work. Equally adept at handling care home and sheltered housing development. Other significant clients include those in the environmental and renewable energy sectors.

Real Estate Litigation

Offers substantial experience advising on leasehold enfranchisements, dilapidations and planning obligations. Acts for a wide variety of residential and commercial clients, including national storage providers, out-of-town operators and private landlords.

One source states: "The lawyers are readily accessible, knowledgeable and commercially aware."

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